Cycle of Destruction and Renewal: Black-Backed Woodpecker Encounter in Whiteshell Provincial Park

At October 20, 2024
By Niroshan Mirando
In Conservations, Species Watch, Trip Reports
0

Woodpecker with larvae (click to enlarge)

Earlier this summer, I was heartbroken as one of my favorite places in Canada, Jasper Town and Jasper National Park suffered devastating forest fires that destroyed a significant part of the town and some of the most beautiful, forested areas, all set against stunning mountain backdrops. Have you ever wondered how wildlife thrives after the devastation of forest fires? Burnt forests become sanctuaries for certain species, among them is the wood-boring beetles, which thrive underneath the burnt trees. These beetles are a crucial player in the forest’s regeneration. As this process continues another species thrives on and attains the full benefits, this is none other than the black-backed woodpecker, a bird that specializes in feeding on wood-boring beetles.

Bear Lake Hiking Trail: Scenic 6 km in Whiteshell, Manitoba

Enjoying the fall colors (click to enlarge)

Last weekend, we set out to explore Whiteshell Provincial Park in search of a short but immersive hike that could be completed in a couple of hours while still showcasing the park’s diverse landscape. After some research, we chose the Bear Lake Hiking Trail, a scenic 6 km route that offers a perfect snapshot of Whiteshell’s natural beauty.

Lone Grey Wolf: A Journey of Dispersal and Survival

At September 27, 2024
By Niroshan Mirando
In Conservations, Species Watch, Travel Locations, Trip Reports
0

Last October, I traveled to Churchill, Manitoba with friends and family, eager to see the famous polar bears that gather there and migrate each October. Known as the “polar bear capital of the world,” it seemed the perfect time for sightings. While I had many memorable moments from that trip, one encounter caught me completely off guard: I found myself face-to-face with a lone grey wolf. It wasn’t what I had expected, but it opened my eyes to the incredible journey these animals undergo during dispersal.

Crested Hawk Eagle and a Lesser Whistling Duck Encounter at Wilpattu National Park, Sri Lanka.

At August 29, 2020
By Niroshan Mirando
In Species Watch, Travel Locations, Trip Reports
4

During the time I lived in Sri Lanka and during my regular visits to Sri Lanka, Wilpattu National Park didn’t disappoint me with unforgettable wildlife sightings and unforgettable experiences. This is where my passion for wildlife photography grew into great proportions. This is a story I wanted to tell for a while and finally got some spare time to blog about this extraordinary experience I had with a Crested Hawk Eagle Back in 2016, on a cold and foggy morning on one of my visits to the Wilpattu National Park.

Why Riding Mountain National Park Is The Best Place To Observe Moose In Their Natural Habitat In Manitoba, Canada.

At July 14, 2020
By Niroshan Mirando
In Conservations, Species Watch, Travel Locations, Trip Reports
0

The more I travel in Riding Mountain National Park Manitoba, Canada the more I get obsessed with this amazing National park, I started visiting the Park mainly targeting the American black bears, especially in spring because it’s one of the best places to see bear cubs in Manitoba. While targeting bear photo shoots I stumbled upon an opportunity to observe moose and amazed me how abundant the moose’s activity is in the area.

Parks Canada oTENTik Experience at Riding Mountain National Park, Manitoba

Parks Canada oTENTik at Riding Mountain National Park, Manitoba, Canada.

I always wanted to stay at Parks Canada oTENTik and never had any chance due to the high demand they have and I always planned my visits to Riding Mountain National Park last minute. This winter I wanted to visit the park mainly because winter is a fantastic time to observe and photograph Lynx. Finally, I planned a weekend trip and left in the evening on Friday after work. There are several winterized oTENTiks available to book via Parks Canada and I was lucky enough to get a spot. Friday night temperatures dropped to -20 c and Saturday night dropped down to – 22 c.

Face To Face With Greater Flamingos In Mannar Island, Sri Lanka

At March 13, 2014
By Niroshan Mirando
In Conservations, Species Watch, Tips & Ticks, Trip Reports
6

My First flamingo encounter, Mannar 2013

I had this fantasy for a long time to take some good pictures of flamingos because I had always been fascinated with pictures taken in Africa and by some of my fellow Sri Lankan photographers. Back in January 2013, I had my first stroke of luck with these elusive birds at the Mannar slattern. However the sighting was under extremely harsh lighting and at a very long distance, so I had to be content with a few record shots. However last year around March, I had a better encounter with these amazing birds at the Bundala Lagoon in Bundala National Park, Sri Lanka. The sighting was good but approaching them was nearly impossible, as they were far from the lagoon. As Bundala was a national park the rules did not permit me to approach them by foot or to get closer. Again, I had to settle for some long-range shots.